Biking the Raccoon River Valley Trail

Colleen had company this week and stayed home this morning to see them off so I decided to ride the trail. I have not done it all summer! Oh, it was wonderful. The trail was quiet. No people. Just animals and birds. And calm and quiet. There is something about being in the country alone with nature that is hard to describe. Some of you know what I mean. There is such a peacefulness that is hard to capture in any other way. I rode 4 miles out and 4 back stopping to take some pictures along the way.. It was a special treat.

Spicy Cabbage Salad

  This is one of my newer recipe's that my friend Colleen says is one of her favorites and also one I am making for supper tonight.

 Spicy Cabbage Salad    
 
Spicy Cabbage Salad with Tomatoes, Radishes, and Celery (Puerto Rican Cabbage Salad)
(Makes about 6 servings, recipe adapted from Puerto Rican Cabbage Salad at Champaign Taste.)

5-6 cups finely chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 large head of cabbage)
1 cup diced tomatoes (I used diced grape tomatoes)
1/2 cup celery, sliced (or if the celery is large, I would cut in half before slicing)
1/2 cup chopped celery leaves (optional, but good)
6 radishes, stem and root cut off and cut into half-moon slices (optional, but good)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (dark green part)

Dressing:
2 T apple cider vinegar
1 tsp. fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4-1/2 tsp. hot pepper sauce (I used Sriracha sauce; use any hot sauce that has a good flavor. If you have some type of Carribean hot sauce it would be perfect in this.)
3 T grapeseed oil (or other neutral-flavored oil such as canola will work)


Chop cabbage, tomatoes, and celery leaves, and slice celery, radishes, and green
onions. Toss all the salad ingredients together in a large bowl. (If making ahead
use a plastic bowl with a tight-fitting lid.)

In a small bowl, mix together the apple cider vinegar, fresh lime juice, salt, and hot
sauce to taste. (I would start with a smaller amount of hot sauce, because you can
always add more.) Whisk in the oil, one tablespoon at a time. Taste to see if you
want to add more hot sauce

Toss salad with desired amount of dressing. (You may not need all the dressing if
you omit some of the optional ingredients.) Salad can be made ahead and stored in
the refrigerator for a few hours, and is even surprising good when it's been
refrigerated overnight.

Could use some rain...

I sure did not think I would say that we needed rain after the Spring that we had but we have not had any measurable rain since then.  Some places around us have had rain but Jefferson has been high and dry. We have cracks in the yard that look like we have had an earthquake. Today we had a light shower but Butch did not even check the rain gauge as we know it was not enough to make a dent in the dust that has settled in the bottom of it. This morning it really looked like Colleen and I would get wet while on our walk and we would not have cared but it didn't happen.

Tomorrow the people of Greene County will vote on the casino issue. That is the first step as I understand it. If the people of Greene County approve, the next step will be if the gaming commission gives their approval. I am assuming if that answer is yes that we will soon be getting a casino located at the intersection of highway 4 and highway 30. Butch and I voted early and we voted "yes". Not because we are big advocates of casinos, because those of you who know me well  certainly know that is not true but because it will provide lots of jobs and revenue to town.
Jefferson used to be on a downward slide a few years back but some people got their heads, hearts and hands together and those of you who haven't been here for a few years would be very surprised. There is a very different feel to the town with a much more positive attitude about the future and all this started to happen before a casino was even a twinkle in someones eye.
You really ought to mosey on by and take a look at us.

For all of our fishing friends

Highway 141 Garage Sale

Every year on the first weekend of August there is a 100 mile long garage sale along Iowa Highway 141 or if you happen to be from Missouri that would be 141 highway. We picked up Pat at 8:00 and headed south stopping first at Bagley then venturing west to Bayard. We then returned east till we arrived at Woodward where we once again backtracked west. We stopped at every place along the way that looked interesting. If we could tell it was mostly clothes we didn't bother to stop. We had lunch in Jamaica at Tojo's. Oh yes, and while we are stopped at a sale just west of Perry who do we see but Jason and Laura! They came to Jamaica and joined us for lunch. That was a pleasant surprise. We shared stories of our finds.
Here are some pictures of the day: At the intersection of Highway 4 and 141 is a cemetery and a parking lot. It isn't often you can say you went to a garage sale at the cemetery.

That little bump on the grassy knoll is a tombstone.

This is going into my sign collection. Would you like to live on Wiggle street in Jamaica Iowa?

Jason is showing us the watering can they found. It looked to be in very good condition. It was a great day of bargain hunting and a good time with good friends.

Colleen- Stacker of Rocks

One early morning...while waiting for me.

Post or not to post

When things buzz along pretty much the same day after day it can sometimes slip my mind to check in with you, checkers of the blog. Sorry about that...really I am.
I get up each morning about 5:30 AM, take my pills, make coffee, water plants and flowers and then meet Colleen at 6:45 at the bike trail. We walk one mile out and one mile back and then return home. We get all the worlds troubles discussed and desolved in the time we are walking. Then I get on the computer when I come home, drink coffee, get caught up with Word with Friends and do the Jigzone puzzle.
May clean house or do laundry if needed or help Butch with what he has planned if he isn't at the golf course.

Lately I have been trying to sort pictures. When I had JIG's here they asked me if I had some before pictures and yes I do on the computer but it isn't all that easy to show them when they are all piled up in a file folder on the computer. I was going to have them made into a book but I will have to wait for a really good deal to come along first. I now have them sorted ready for a deal when I see one.

This weekend we are going garage saleing on highway 141. They do this every year the first weekend in August but this will be the first time we will partake of the event. I really am at a point where I do not need anything and that is a good place to be. So I plan to be a Looky Lou...and take some interesting photo's.

Keri's Recipes

Summer Cashew Chicken Grape Pasta Salad

• 
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Serves: 6-8, Yield: 8.0 1 Cup servings

About This Recipe

"On many hot summer days, I can't face eating a hot meal. This salad makes a very satisfying meal without overheating the house or me! If I can't stomach the thought of cooking chicken myself for fear of heating up the house on a hot summer day, I just pick up a rotisserie chicken from my local grocer or I pick up grilled cooked chicken from Costco. With pre-cooked chicken, this recipe couldn't be easier to prepare! I've served this many times to rave reviews. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. It's a dish she picks up from her local deli on a regular basis. If you make it at home, it's much cheaper than the deli!"

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked chicken ( poached, grilled, rotisserie, doesn't matter, just cooked)
• 1 lb pasta ( macaroni, rigatoni, use your favorite, just not spaghetti)
• 1/2 lb green seedless grape, washed and cut in half
• 1/2 lb red seedless grapes, washed and cut in half
• 1/2 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoned Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups mayonnaise ( I use Hellman's Light Mayonnaise)
• 1 (9 1/4 ounce) cans cashew halves, and pieces ( I buy Planter's salted)
• 2 tablespoons milk ( optional, also may want to add more depending on how long the salad has been in the refrigerator)

Directions

1. Boil 1 lb. of pasta - al dente - according to package directions (I use rigatoni). Drain after cooking and let cool.
2. While the pasta is boiling, wash and halve the grapes.
3. Dice the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
4. In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the cooled, drained pasta with the grapes and diced chicken. Stir in the mayonnaise. I start with one cup of mayo and add more as needed. Really, just add as much as you personally like - it may be more or less than 2 cups.
5. Stir in the Lawry's seasoning salt, onion powder and garlic powder. Again, add to your liking. You may want more or less than 1/2 teaspoon of any of these - - it's your choice, go with what you like. Frequent sampling at this point will help you decide what your preference will be so grab a fork and start sampling!

6. If the salad is too thick and rich for your liking, stir in a couple tablespoons milk to thin it out. This part is optional.
7. This salad is always much better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. This is when I usually add milk to loosen it up a bit.
8. Before serving, plate or dish up the salad and sprinkle cashew pieces on top of individual servings. DO NOT put the cashew pieces on the entire salad and refrigerate - - this will cause the cashew pieces to become soft and rubbery and nobody wants that! I just set the can of cashews on the table and let guests help themselves.
9. Sit back and enjoy your sweat free cold summer salad!

Recipe:   Orange Salad        7/28/2013

 

Author:   Keri Brooker, Dorothy Telleen, Sherri Schwaller

1 large head of lettuce,torn

1 c. chopped celery

2 green onions,slice all of it

1 (11 oz) can of mandarin oranges, drained

Sugared Almonds:

3 T. sugar

1/2 c sliced almonds

Dressing:

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 c. oil

2 T. vinegar

1T. Parsley

2 T. sugar

Dash of Tabasco

In a heavy saucepan, melt 3 T. of sugar. Add 1/2 c almonds. Stir constantly until it 

turns brown and glazes almonds. Cool. Break into pieces. 

Tear up large head of lettuce and add celery, onions and drained oranges

Just before serving pour on dressing.

Recipe:   Olive Spread        7/28/2013 

Author:   Keri Brooker

8 oz cream cheese, softened

jar of salad olives, drained but not well

small package of chopped pecans

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate overnight. Spread generously on bread or 

crackers of your choice

Gifts Galore

J.I.G.'s member Pat Limburg Rusnak brought me a beautiful rose arrangement. Our President of the Jefferson Garden Club is a talented arranger of flowers from her garden.

J.I.G.'s member Rozetta Renner Fiscus brought me this nifty little quilted item used for heating up small dishes in the microwave. My days of trying to get a  little hot dish out of the microwave without burning myself are over. What a clever idea.

And then my walking buddy Colleen who frequently brings me a bit of nature did so again. Always a treat!

The bud vase on the right is one of the treasures Butch brought me from his auction experience. It is a beautiful crystal vase. Must find a posy worthy of a fancy crystal vase.

Butch went to the auction

I love auctions...Butch not so much. His ADD kicks and he is ready to be on to something different. Dagits had to choose an auction day when I was busy after not having a good one for a very long time. Short notice to boot! So Saturday morning we went down to look over the selection. I really didn't see too much of interest but I mentioned a few items of interest if they went cheap enough. I groused a bit about him staying just long enough to say he was there and then cutting out. Well excuse me! He stayed until after two, spent about 30 dollars and got lots of stuff! Most of which will most likely make it all the way to Texas for a garage sale. He did get a weed eater and a shop vac,a tablecloth I wanted and a few baking dishes. Actually there was much more than this and some lucky Texans or winter Texans will have a shot at what I didn't want. He did seem to have a good time and I am glad for that. I think perhaps he will need more supervision at the next one or we may look like the Beverly Hillbillies as we head south this fall.

Too Pooped to Post...almost

It was a great day and Keri's help was pivotal to say the least. She prepared a  5 star feast for us. I sure appreciate having her in my bag of tricks. We had 15 J.I.G's and one guest in attendance. Everyone had a seat at a table. The conversation was lively as it always is when we gather. There were requests for Keri's recipes if she was willing to share and she is, so I will get them posted asap...but not tonight.
Here are a few shots I took today. Not many of people. I start having a good time and forget to take pictures!

First social event

First social event is coming up next Saturday. I have invited the J.I.G's women for lunch. My cooking angel Keri is preparing the food and that takes away much of the pressure. I love it because I will be able to relax and enjoy my friends in our mostly completed house. I have spent the past couple of days deciding where I want pictures and paintings with the input of fellow J.I.G.'s member Sue Durlam Lucht. Today with the help
of Butch I have been hanging artwork and artifacts and for now I think I am DONE. I also ordered a pleated shade for the west window because we were having sun issues late in the day. Denise Van, another J.I.G.'s friend told me about www.selectblinds.com. What a great site it is and very easy to navigate for made to order blinds and for custom made blinds the price is super as well.
Butch is about half done with the garage but it looks 100% better. Cleaned up and organized. I may be able to get back to making bracelets sometime soon.

One hobby I have continued and that is photography so here are some shots I have taken lately.

 My friend Colleen is a Stacker of Rocks...no, really! She has even had people pay her to stack rocks. These are rocks Jason had collected so she stacked them. As you can see it is definitely an art form. She usually goes to collect rocks at the river if someone wants some in their yard or flower garden. Sounds like fun to me.

The 2013 front view of the house.

Is it starting to look lived in?

 During the RAGBRAI week I saw this fellow camping early one morning. I must say he picked a very good spot. I almost didn't see him. He was in the skateboarding enclosure.

 Another Bee Balm picture. I love this little lavender flower that looks like fireworks.

More Weekend Photos

A young cowboy polishing his skills

The Leo's meet

Me and little Leo

Jason and the kids!

There is a new playground a block from us and the playground connoisseurs in the family say it is top notch. 

Ethan

Nicole feeds Leo

Our delicious supper-typically Iowa- Sweet Corn and Iowa Chops! Thanks to Laura and Jason.